Tough love
Palestinian man living with former IDF soldier in West Bank settlement detained
ARIEL - A Palestinian detained in the West Bank settlement of Ariel late Saturday was romantically involved with a former IDF intelligence officer residing there, police say.
The 24-year-old suspect, who was staying in the settlement illegally, had been living at the soldier's home for the past several months. Police also found drugs and IDF uniforms at the couple's home.
The investigating officer, Chief Superintendent Haim Fadlon, told Ynet police are looking into whether the relationship involved more than just romance and possibly compromised national security.
"We received intelligence information that a Palestinian was illegally residing in Ariel," he said. "Detectives arrived at the house and found the couple."
Man used army uniform to enter Israel
Meanwhile, police estimate the Palestinian man used the army uniforms to exit and enter Israel each time.
Fadlon said the girl claimed she fell in love with the suspect after meeting him at a West Bank factory where she worked.
Police officials, in collaboration with the Shin Bet and the IDF Criminal Investigation Division, are investigating whether the suspect was romantically involved with the girl in order to elicit classified information from her.
Police plan to indict the suspect on charges of impersonating an IDF soldier and illegally residing in Israel.
